HELI-EXPO, ORLANDO, FLORIDA--(Marketwire - March 6, 2011) - VIH Aviation Group Ltd. has purchased 10 AgustaWestland 139 AW139 helicopters powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC's) PT6C-67C engines and has signed a long-term Guaranteed Maintenance Cost Plan contract with P&WC, which covers the overhaul and repair of the engines. The announcement was made today at Heli-Expo 2011, which is being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., from March 5 to 8. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

"Our fleet of helicopters provides a vital service to oil and gas customers who require highly reliable transportation among their various sites, including their off-shore facilities around the world," said Ken Norie, President, VIH Aviation Group Ltd.. "Pratt & Whitney Canada engines have been an important part of our fleet for the past 10 years, and we are pleased to see their increased presence in this important parapublic market. Given the nature of our operation, P&WC's highly flexible Guaranteed Cost Maintenance Plan is very appealing to us; it allows us to maintain cost stability and protection while selecting from a menu of services based on our needs."

"We created our Guaranteed Cost Maintenance Plan precisely for customers such as VIH Aviation Group," said Raffaele Virgili, Vice President, Customer Service, P&WC, "giving them both the flexibility and maintenance assurance they require to run an effective fleet operation."

With P&WC's Guaranteed Cost Maintenance Plan, customers are able to pay a guaranteed hourly fee on a monthly basis that is tailored to their needs. They can also choose the length of their plan. The rate charged is based on a number of variables, including operating environment, mission profile, maintenance program (time between overhauls and hot section inspection), engine model and times and cycles accumulated on engines.

As a leading helicopter engine manufacturer, P&WC has developed solid relationships with a multitude of operators and OEMs in the market. We offer a product line that is broad, targeted and tailored. In the last eight years alone, we have seen a threefold increase in the number of helicopter engines delivered annually.

P&WC customer service

P&WC is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of its ESP(R) plan this year, with more than 1,000 operators and 3,000 engines enjoying the benefits of membership.

In addition to the most advanced engine technology available, Pratt & Whitney Canada brings world-class customer service backed by a worldwide network of more than 100 field support representatives (FSRs), distribution centres in key locations around the world and more than 80 mobile repair technicians; a broad pool of rental and exchange engines; a customized Fleet Management Program (FMP(R)) and Eagle Service(TM) Plan (ESP); comprehensive warranty coverage; as well as an extensive Customer Service Network with more than 30 facilities around the world.

P&WC and the helicopter industry

Since the 1970s, P&WC has produced more than 12,000 engines for the helicopter market, accumulating more than 43 million flying hours. The company has certified 31 models for more than 25 applications and engines destined for the helicopter industry.

Interested operators are invited to drop by P&WC's booth (421) to speak with a customer service representative.

About Pratt & Whitney Canada

Founded in 1928, and a global leader in aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Canada is shaping the future of business aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Every second, a Pratt & Whitney Canada-powered aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world. Pratt & Whitney Canada's engines, with more than 500 million hours in the air, are the industry benchmark for innovative design, dispatch reliability, operating economics and easy maintenance. Pratt & Whitney Canada is firmly committed to ensuring that its products are designed, produced and operated while minimizing environmental impacts throughout their life cycle.

There are currently more than 47,000 engines in service on over 25,000 aircraft operated by some 10,000 operators in 198 countries. The most extensive support network in the industry, which includes more than 30 company-owned and designated service facilities, supports this global fleet.

P&WC has been taking front-line services to the next level ever since it launched its Customer First Centre (CFirst) in 2007. CFirst brings together a multidisciplinary and multilingual support team to resolve issues so that customers can return to service quickly. CFirst handles more than 100,000 contacts every year.

Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX). UTC is a diversified company providing high-technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.